Operations Manager - State Prog Admin Manager Senior

State of Minnesota; Detroit Lakes (MN); Hybrid; USD 94,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays each year

Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and药

Job summary

The State of Minnesota's MnDOT seeks an experienced District Maintenance Operations Manager in Detroit Lakes to lead maintenance operations district-wide, including snow/ice response, pavement, drainage, and fleet management.

You will manage about 180 staff and budgets, shape policies, and drive safety and efficiency across 12 counties, with telework up to 2 days per week.

Qualifications

• Two years of managerial or equivalent supervisory or four years of advanced professional experience related to transportation system construction, maintenance and operations.
• Submit a cover letter with your application.
• Leadership and managerial skills to guide a large workforce and implement staffing and performance management.
• Technical expertise in transportation maintenance operations, including snow/ice management, pavement and drainage, traffic maintenance, fleet lifecycle, freeway operations, and asset management systems.
• Policy development and budgeting experience managing large complex budgets and allocating resources.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with staff, leadership, external agencies, and the public.

Responsibilities

• Lead maintenance operations for MnDOT District 4, including snow/ice response and roadway preservation.
• Manage approximately 180 employees and significant operational budgets.
• Provide strategic planning, direct 24/7 field operations, and advance sustainability and innovation.
• Shape maintenance policies and best practices as part of the District Management Team and statewide operations groups.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Communication skills

Safety culture

Tools

Budgeting software

Asset management systems

Job description

The Minnesota Department of Transportation employs people of all backgrounds and skill levels to connect members of our communities through a safe, equitable, and sustainable transportation system.We offer many employment opportunities in a wide variety of career fields that support our work. We are committed to giving our employees the tools and resources needed to grow and advance their careers. To help our workforce thrive, we offer our employees excellent training opportunities and recognize the benefits of cultivating a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace culture that builds on the perspectives and strengths of all employees. You will be surrounded by a diverse community of colleagues, driven by their work and motivated by the greater good. You will understand the impact of the work you do and see the benefits you provide to Minnesotans and all people using our transportation system such as state highways, railways, and airports.

We hope you will join us to find your purpose in state service!

Working Title : Operations Manager
Job Class: State Program Administrator Manager Senior
Agency: Transportation Dept

• Job ID: 96035
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 08/05/2026
• Closing Date: 08/25/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Transportation Dept / Transportation-Managerial
• Division/Unit: Operations Division / District 4/Maintenance Operations
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes/No
• Salary Range: $44.80 - $64.46 / hourly; $93,542 - $134,592 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrep

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

Minnesota Department of Transportation does not sponsor applicants for work visas or Optional Practical Training Extensions for STEM Students. Individuals must be legally authorized to work in the US at the start of employment.

The District Maintenance Operations Manager leads and oversees all maintenance operations for MnDOT District 4, including snow and ice response, pavement and drainage preservation, traffic maintenance services, fleet management, roadside and landscape maintenance, freeway operations and expanding the safety culture. The role manages approximately 180 employees and significant operational budgets while ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient transportation infrastructure across 12 counties.

This position provides strategic planning, directs 24/7 field operations, advances sustainability and innovation, ensures compliance with laws and policies, and strengthens asset management and performance outcomes. As a member of the District Management Team and statewide operations groups, the manager helps shape maintenance policies and best practices.

Please note: This position is located in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota and has the flexibility to telework up to 2 days per week or work in the office every day. The incumbent will be required to make a telework arrangement with their supervisor. The incumbent will be expected to work in the office as determined by policy, business need and discussion with their supervisor.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Two (2) years of managerial experience OR three (3) years of professional level supervisory OR four years of advanced professional experience related to transportation system construction, maintenance and operations.

Your application will not be considered if you do not submit the required cover letter.

Leadership: Leadership and managerial skills sufficient to guide a large, multi-disciplinary operations workforce; set district-wide goals; implement strategic staffing and performance management while also fostering a culture of safety, accountability, collaboration, and high-quality service delivery.

Technical: Technical expertise in transportation maintenance operations, including areas such as snow and ice management, pavement and drainage preservation, traffic maintenance services, fleet lifecycle management, freeway operations, and asset management systems.

Policy Development and Budgeting: Experience developing and implementing operational policies, procedures, and long-range plans; and strong fiscal management experience overseeing a large complex budget and allocating resources.

Communications/Human Relations: Strong communication and interpersonal skills sufficient to work effectively with staff at all levels, senior leadership, external agencies/officials, and the public with a high level of negotiation and conflict management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing a complex multimillion-dollar operational budgets
• Extensive transportation maintenance operations experience
• Policy development and strategic planning experience.

Additional Requirements

REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS:

**Successful candidate must pass past-employer reference checks and criminal history check**

It is our policy that all candidates submit to a background investigation prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov )

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.

Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) encourages participation in all its programs, services and activities and does not discriminate against qualified applicants with disabilities. Anyone who believes they may need a reasonable accommodation in order to fully participate in the job application, interview or selection processes may contact any agency official with whom applicant has contact in the processing of their employment application to request an accommodation. Applicants may also contact the MnDOT Affluent Action office to request an accommodation by: E-mail: [e-mail] ; or by calling Janet Miller at 651-366-4720 ; or using MN Relay 711.